'Don't fall into Ruto's trap', Kituyi warns Opposition over ethnic politics

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV’s JKLive, Kituyi cautioned the Opposition against engaging in what he described as ethnic counter-attacks in the political arena.

He warned that Opposition leaders risk losing credibility if they remain locked in confrontational politics with the Head of State, instead of presenting themselves as a stabilising and hopeful alternative.

He added that the Opposition must position itself as a solution-driven force for Kenyans rather than engaging in political back-and-forth with the presidency.

“Let's not fall into Ruto's trap by answering ethnic bigotry with ethnic bigotry. We should be a reassuring force,” Kituyi stated. 

Kituyi, who was elected as the Spokesperson and Head of Secretariat for the United Opposition coalition in September 2025, further appealed for a more structured and unified Opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election, arguing that cohesion would be key in building public confidence.

“There’s growing public pressure that nobody should walk away from the table. There are sufficient mechanisms for keeping everyone at the table," he stated. 

"Going forward, the public declaration of commitment to being on one team and everyone saying they should not be the one responsible for the failure to keep the hope that Kenyans have is going to discipline people to purposefully sacrifice their ego and be ready to be part of a leadership."

He said the Opposition carries a “momentous responsibility” to restore hope among Kenyans who are increasingly disillusioned with the current political and economic environment.

Kituyi also appealed to the Opposition to engage the young people, particularly Gen Z, arguing that they must be included in shaping the country’s future political and economic agenda.

On economic policy, he criticised the current approach to development, saying it relies too heavily on government-led growth rather than enabling private enterprise and innovation.

“The essence of economic growth is creating possibilities, access to credit for entrepreneurs to grow wealth, create opportunities, and make them competitive,” he said.

“Instead of seeing business as a driver of economic growth, we've seen government as a driver of growth. The mode is to increase how much you collect from the people then give them development. This thinking is ill-advised,” he added.

Kituyi concluded by urging a shift in policy mindset, saying the government should focus on creating an enabling environment that improves competitiveness and expands opportunities for Kenyans.